By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 10 January 2025 - Saudi Airlines is preparing to launch direct flights to Mogadishu following a comprehensive technical assessment of Aden Adde International Airport (AAIA),marking an important milestone for Somalia’s civil aviation sector.
The announcement was made by the Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), Ahmed Moallin Hassan, while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a newly constructed parking facility at Aden Adde International Airport (AAIA) on Saturday.
Hassan revealed that a Saudi delegation conducted an inspection of the facility a month ago. While the subsequent report identified "gaps" in current infrastructure, it underscored a growing international interest in Somalia’s aviation sector.
"We are happy that international airlines are competing to come here," Hassan said. "Saudi flights will start soon, and we are also seeing interest from European carriers."
The opening of the new parking lot is more than a local convenience; it is a strategic move to satisfy strict safety and "facilitation" requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
A recent ICAO assessment—the first of its kind for the airport—highlighted critical safety risks caused by congestion. Officials warned that unauthorized vehicles blocking access roads could prevent fire trucks from reaching sensitive air traffic control equipment, valued at $25 million, in the event of an emergency.
More from Somalia
Despite the progress, the Director General cautioned that Mogadishu is not yet fully prepared for a massive influx of international traffic. The airport remains constrained by its geography, surrounded on all four sides by residential areas.
"In our current state, we are not fully prepared to handle those (international airlines )," Hassan admitted. He emphasized that the current priority is managing existing resources effectively to meet global standards until a larger international hub can be secured.
To ensure the airport meets these new safety benchmarks, Hassan issued a stern directive to security forces and the police. He stressed that the designated parking lot must be used to keep access roads clear for emergency vehicles and passengers.
"It makes no sense to increase facilities if cars continue to block the roads," he said. "No car should be parked anywhere other than the designated lot... the roads must remain open so that business and travel can flow directly."
The project was completed with the support of several partners, including Amal Bank. The move is expected to create local jobs and bolster Somalia’s reputation as it prepares for a full ICAO safety audit scheduled for this year.
